Cambridge is world famous for being home to one of the best universities in the world, but that’s all I really knew about it until I decided to visit last week.
I’d been meaning to visit ever since I moved to London six years ago. Realising how easy it is to get to from London, I really don’t have a good excuse why it took me so long.
However, when I woke up last Friday and noticed the sun seeping through my blinds, something about that morning was screaming Cambridge to me. I got dressed, had breakfast, and jumped on the train.
Once I arrived in the city I made the short walk into the town centre. One of the first things I noticed were the young Chinese people – there were many – and of whom I presumed were students. I couldn’t help but think of my Chinese father. In his voice the words, “You should have studied harder” began reverberating around my head.
I was pretty naughty in my younger years, and my father had a habit of going on at me to study harder. However, I think he gave up on the idea that I’d have an illustrious academic career the day I was sent home from school because I was caught snogging a boy called Stuart behind a computer in IT class.
How to get to Cambridge from London
There are several ways to get to Cambridge from London, but the easiest is train. It takes just 50 mins from King’s Cross, or 1 hr 10 mins from Liverpool Street. Additionally, if you’d prefer to drive, it takes around 2 hr by car.
Book train tickets in advance via the trainline.com
The best things to do in Cambridge
Cambridge delights with a smorgasbord of medieval architecture, museums and riverside charm.
Here are some of the best way to explore the city, including college tours, art museums, and the unique chance to sleep in an actual student dormitory.
Climb up St Mary's Tower
To get a sense of the city in all its splendour, I recommend the first thing you do is climb up Great St Mary’s Tower (£5). You need to scramble up a narrow spiral staircase but once you reach the top, you’ll appreciate that the leg ache is worth it
From atop the tower you have a bird’s-eye view across the market square which harks back to a bygone era, and you can spot many of Cambridge’s well-known landmarks. Taking centre stage, however, is King’s College Chapel with its incredible Gothic architecture and pristine lawn.
Looking out upon the sprawling views of Cambridge with its age-old buildings, you really get an impression of its long and rich history. It looks like a fairy tale so it’s quite extraordinary to think a lot of the buildings are actually student digs!
Explore the different Cambridge colleges
Okay, time won’t permit you to explore them all, certainly not in a day, so with the help of my friend who went to Cambridge University I’ve narrowed them down to three – King’s College, St John’s College and Trinity College.
However, there’s an entrance for all of these ones so if you’re on a budget, go with King’s. The Chapel is incredible and has the largest fan-vault ceiling in the world. Admire the stained-glass windows, and marvel at the Rood Screen that was a gift from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn. It is considered some of the best Italian wooden carvings that still survive in the UK.
If you don’t mind splashing out another £10 (£5 per child and free for children under 11), head over to nearby St John’s College to see grand architecture and explore its exceptionally stunning grounds. There are three extremely impressive courts and a large beautiful garden, but the pièce de résistance is the stunning views of the Bridge of Sighs towards both directions of the Cam River.
When I was walking from the train station to the city centre I also passed Downing College, which I found very beautiful and quiet since it’s a bit further away from the crowds.
As you enter the grounds there’s Heong gallery to your left, unfortunately it was closed at the time I went because they were getting ready for their up-coming exhibition by Yoko Ono. There are also a few sculptures on the grounds of the campus (Henry Moore I think) and a peaceful garden for relaxing.
Alternatively, instead of the ones I’ve suggested, there might be someone who has been to Cambridge that you’re particularly inspired by, so you might want to visit the college where they studied.
The university has produced over 100 Nobel prize winners, and the likes of Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Isaac Newton have studied here.
Go punting
One of the most popular things to do on a sunny day is punting. Splitting the city in two is the River Cam, which passes by some of the prettiest areas of the city. Highlights include the brilliant Mathematical Bridge which you would ordinarily only be able to see by visiting Queens’ College.
Want to book a punting boat tour of Cambridge in advance? You can here.
Visit Kettle's Yard
Kettle’s Yard was once the residence of Jim and Helen Ede. Thanks to Jim’s job as a curator at the Tate Gallery, the couple filled their home with artworks by famous names like Barbara Hepworth and Joan Mirò. Then, in an act of extreme generosity, the Edes gave it all to Cambridge University.
You can now visit it and see the art lovingly arranged around the house, which still feels like a home. Read more about my trip to Kettle’s Yard here.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam is owned by Cambridge University and, like Oxford’s Ashmolean, is a treasure chest of a museum. It’s home to a really well-balanced collection, going from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece to more modern times. The highlight for me are the beautiful Flemish and Dutch paintings, including works by Bruegel, Rubens and Van Dyck. Plus, it’s free entry.
How to get around Cambridge
Cambridge is a super walkable city, especially if you plan to stick to the main tourist areas. However, if you’re strapped for time and want to cram in as much as possible, then it’s worth purchasing a ticket for the 24-hr Cambridge hop-on/hop-off bus. All you need to do is show the voucher to the driver.
Searching for more things to do in Cambridge?
Update! Since this trip to Cambridge, I’ve returned many times, and have put together a list of my highlights to ensure you get the most from your visit. See my latest blog post below:
14 Wonderful Things to do in Cambridge
Want to stay overnight in Cambridge?
Spend a night in a college dorm
If you’re travelling to Cambridge during the summer, you’re in for an immersive time. For a truly unique experience, consider staying in one of Cambridge’s historic colleges. Many colleges offer guest accommodations during university breaks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s academic atmosphere. From single to twin ensuites, you’ll find a range of options to suit your preferences.
Boutique Hotels
Cambridge boasts a selection of boutique hotels, each offering its own blend of charm and character. Whether you prefer sleek modern design or traditional elegance, you’ll find boutique hotels dotted throughout the city, providing a stylish and comfortable base for your stay.
→ top pick: Gonville Hotel
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